London, Mar 1, IRNA — The British government Monday pledged to work closer than ever with other countries to preventing illegal immigrants coming to the UK, boasting that already 75 percent of the world’s population already needed visas.
“Three quarters of the world’s population now need a visa to come to Britain, and UK Border Agency officers are working in 135 different countries to stop organised criminals in their tracks,” said Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas.
“The message today is clear, we want the smugglers, traffickers and forgers out there to know, wherever they are in the world, we are watching them. Paying people traffickers is a rip off,” Woolas said.
His launch of a new strategy to put “migration at the heart of international relationships” comes as immigration is expected to be a significant issue at Britain’s forthcoming elections.
Woolas, who has previously denied being a racist, said that “enforcement work must go hand in hand with circular migration, and sharing our skills and training with developing nations.”
“There is no question that migration has brought benefits to the UK economy. Many of those who come here plug hard-to-fill jobs gaps, playing a key role in running public services especially in health and education,” he said.
“But while Britain is benefiting, it is important that we do not deprive other countries of the skilled people they need most. It’s in our long term interest that they have the doctors, nurses and teachers who are so crucial to their development,” he added.